See Claiborne Parish on page 8.

Is there a phrase more terrifying to the modern grocery shopper than “UNEXPECTED ITEM IN BAGGING AREA”? (Except, perhaps, “ITEM REMOVED FROM BAGGING AREA.”) 

We’ve all been there: The panicked fumble, the furious (yet ultimately futile) pressing of the “clear error” button, the desperate eye-contact with the one store employee who is now also side-eyeing your entire existence. The worst part? The machine never understands your motivation. It doesn’t know about the snack craving, the mid-afternoon energy slump, or the urgent need for specifically this kind of chip. It only knows that something isn’t “registered” and now you’re the unexpected item.

Just… just give me the snacks, you heartless electronic demon.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) reminds the public that increased water temperatures, storms, and extended cloudy weather can lead to fish kills in inland and nearshore waters across the state. These events are typically caused by low dissolved oxygen (hypoxia), which often occurs in warm water, since it has a lower carrying capacity for oxygen than cooler water.  Conditions such as stagnant water, heavy rainfall, decaying vegetation, or increased nutrient runoff contribute to hypoxic conditions—especially in shallow bayous, marshes, and ponds.

Fish kills may affect certain species or sizes more than others. For example, shad are sensitive to hypoxia, and are often the first or only fish that experience a fish kill, while some species, like gar, can breathe air and are resistant to hypoxic conditions. Other species have varying levels of tolerance to hypoxic conditions. 

While fish kills can temporarily impact recreational and commercial fishing, aquatic ecosystems in Louisiana are resilient and typically recover naturally. Even in large fish kills, some fish will find refuge from hypoxic conditions in the affected waterbody or connected waterbodies and survive. Scavengers and decomposers help break down fish remains, and most systems recover over time. If conditions remain favorable, fish populations often rebound after major kills within one to two years without the need for stocking, and young fish benefit from reduced competition and increased resources. However, fish kills caused by pollution or chemical spills can occur at any time and may require additional response.

Documenting fish kills in Louisiana, whether caused by natural or human-caused events, is important to responsibly manage fisheries resources. Please report any observed fish kill to LDWF so biologists can investigate and document the kill as soon as possible. For information on how to report a fish kill or more information about the causes of fish kills, go online to wlf.louisiana.gov/page/fish-kills.

I was always told as a kid growing up that you are judged by the company you keep. In other words, it’s important that you choose your friends wisely. This is also important when it comes to tournament bass fishing.

In each tournament, especially multi-day events, it’s important to have the right guys in the house you’re staying in. Guys that you trust and have the same moral and ethical values as yourself. Anglers that will come to your rescue on and off the lake if you have a problem.

Over the years I have fished all over the South and I have chosen who I travel with very carefully. There are several traits that make good roommates on the road. First and foremost, you have to trust the people you’re sharing a house with. I’m not talking about stealing or tearing the place up, but a person who when he says something, you can trust he’s telling the truth. 

Some guys like to share information, but you must be careful and proceed with caution with the info you receive — even from the guys you’re staying with. There are anglers that will lead you astray and send you down a rabbit hole just to eliminate you from being in contention. 

Understand this, bass fishermen are a different breed of people and love nothing more than winning. Oh, we all hope everyone in the house does well, but rest assured, each one of us wants to win!

The next trait I’m looking for in a good roommate on the road is attitude. Nothing is worse than having a guy in the house that has a poor attitude or rubs people the wrong way. It can make for a very long week of fishing when there’s one guy who the rest of the house can’t stand.

There are some guys that are always negative and like to drag others down with them. Fortunately for me, I’ve never had that experience before. But that’s because I choose the guys I’m traveling with very carefully. 

The final thing that is very important in a good housemate is if he is financially stable. This can be a problem if one guy can’t pull his weight and pony up the money necessary to take care his share of house expenses. 

I’ve always said, “If you can’t afford the expenses involved in tournament fishing like house rent, food, boat gas, entry fees, insurance etc., then you don’t need to be fishing tournaments!”  

No one, and I mean no one, has been as fortunate as I have when it comes to great housemates on the road. I have never encountered one angler who I would  later think, “He’ll never stay with me again!” 

For the last 10 years the guys who have been a part of our road crew are Brett Hortman, Walt Stevens, Adrian James, Brennan Flick and Cole Garrett. These guys are as good as gold and guys that I have nothing but great respect for. Not one time have we had an issue with anyone in the house. I’ve also had the privilege of staying with Albert Collins and Clayton Boulware, who are both great anglers but even better people. 

We’ve all had some great tournaments and some that weren’t so good. But the one thing I always knew, I could trust each and every one of them no matter what. Whether it was fixing a flat tire or making repairs on our boats, I could always count on these guys.

I always felt that if one of us was in contention to win, the rest of the house would help in any way we could. Finding guys like these is hard today with so many anglers fishing selfishly. 

To wrap this up, if you’re a young angler and getting into tournament bass fishing, choose who you travel with wisely. It will give great peace of mind knowing that if you have a problem, one of your guys will go out of their way to help you. 

If you grew up in the 1960s, you probably remember a time when home appliances were built like tanks, weighed like tractors, and behaved like mischievous cousins who couldn’t be trusted. Ours certainly did. We had a refrigerator with only one big outer door, and inside that door—like a frosty little secret—was the freezer compartment. It was the kind of setup that made sense only to engineers who had never met actual children.

The top hinge of that refrigerator had screws that were, shall we say, “spiritually backslidden.” They were stripped, worn, and holding on by the power of prayer alone. If you opened the door too quickly or too wide, the hinge would give up entirely, leaving the entire refrigerator door hanging by the bottom hinge like a drunk uncle leaning on a lamppost.

And when that happened, it made a noise. A loud noise. A noise that said, “Someone is trying to sneak a popsicle.”

My mother, who possessed the hearing of a bat and the reflexes of a ninja, would shout from the other room, “Fix the door!” And we kids would scramble like we were disarming a bomb. Because in the 60s, you didn’t sneak snacks. You attempted them. And you were usually caught.

The tea pitcher lived in that refrigerator too, which meant that even the simple act of getting a drink of tea required the stealth of a Navy SEAL. The door could be opened quietly, but children in the 60s were not careful. We were loud, clumsy, sugarmotivated creatures who believed we were invisible as long as we whispered.

Looking back, that refrigerator door was more than a household hazard. It was a spiritual formation tool. It taught us patience, discipline, and the consequences of lukewarm commitment. Because if you approached that door casually—halfheartedly, carelessly—it betrayed you. Every time.

And isn’t that a picture of the Christian life?

Revelation talks about being hot or cold, but not lukewarm. Lukewarm is what happens when we try to follow Jesus casually, quietly, or only when we think no one is watching. Lukewarm faith is refrigeratordoor faith: it looks sturdy from the outside, but the hinges are loose, the screws are stripped, and the whole thing falls apart the moment life swings too wide.

But when we approach our faith with intention—with reverence, steadiness, and a little holy fear—we discover that the door holds. The hinges strengthen. The whole thing works the way it was meant to.

That old refrigerator is long gone, but the lesson remains: a life of faith can’t be sneaked into or stumbled through. It must be opened with purpose.

And if you ever doubt that, just remember: God hears everything. Even the sound of a kid trying to steal a popsicle.

Wilmer McLean was a retired officer of the Virginia militia who became wealthy as a wholesale grocer based in Alexandria, Virginia.  In 1850, he married Virginia Beverley Hooe.  Three years later when Virginia was expecting their first child, Wilmer searched for a quiet, peaceful place for his growing family to live.  On January 1, 1854, Wilmer’s son, John Wilmer, was born.  Wilmer had his sights set on the 1200-acre rural Yorkshire Plantation north of Manassas along Bull Run, a 31-mile-long tributary of the Occoquan River.  Shortly after baby John was born, Wilmer purchased the plantation.  Three years later, they welcomed their second child, a daughter named Lucretia “Lula” Virginia.  Theirs was a perfectly peaceful existence.  They lived in a huge two-story house, some referred to it as a mansion, on one of the many rolling hills next to the lazy stream.  It seemed as if they were living in a dream world which would last forever. 

Their peaceful, dreamlike existence ended abruptly on July 21, 1861.  Confederate Brigadier General P.G.T. Beauregard had commandeered Wilmer’s home and barn as his headquarters along the strategic Bull Run.  Whether Wilmer and his family continued to live in their home with the soldiers or moved to a nearby home is unknown, but they remained in close proximity.  On that hot July day, Union and Confederate soldiers fought an artillery duel on Wilmer’s plantation.  General Beauregard later wrote, “A comical effect of this artillery fight was the destruction of the dinner of myself and staff by a Federal shell that fell into the fire-place of my headquarters at the McLean House.”  What became known as The Battle of Bull Run was the first major campaign of the Civil War. 

Following the battle, the soldiers moved to other battlefields.  Wilmer and his family returned to the peaceful existence on Yorkshire Plantation that they had enjoyed before the war.  Soon thereafter, Virginia became pregnant with their third child.  Once again, their peace was broken when soldiers converged again near the same strategic location.  For three days in 1862, August 28-30, Confederate and Union soldiers fought the Second Battle of Bull Run.  Shortly after the battle, Wilmer and his pregnant wife and their two children abandoned Yorkshire Plantation for safer environs. 

On January 28, 1863, Virginia gave birth to a daughter named Nannie.  Shortly thereafter, Wilmer and his family purchased a large home about 140 miles to the southwest in the village of Appomattox Court House, Virginia.  For two years, Wilmer’s family lived far from the fields of battle.  On April 9, 1865, Virginia was pregnant with their fourth child when Charles Marshall, Confederate General Robert E. Lee’s aide, asked Wilmer to show him a suitable place for Lee to meet another general.  Wanting to distance his family from any connection to the war, Wilmer showed the aide a dilapidated home which he quickly rejected.  With no other contenders, Wilmer reluctantly offered the use of his family’s home.  At about 1 o’clock that afternoon at the McLean home, General Lee met with Union General Ulysses S. Grant.  The Civil War ended during that meeting when General Lee surrendered the Confederate Army to General Grant.  The Civil War began in Wilmer McLean’s front yard and ended in his front parlor. 

Through it all, Wilmer wanted a safe and peaceful existence for himself and his family.  In June 1870, Wilmer dedicated himself to ensuring that the citizens of Manassas township in Virginia had the same safe and peaceful existence that he had wanted to provide for his family.  In June 1870, Wilmer McLean, whose homes bookended the Civil War, became a Justice of the Peace.

Sources:

1.     Jim Rogers, “Crumbling bar is all that’s left of Yorkshire Plantation,” Potomac News, July 23, 1990, accessed April 26, 2026, https://eservice.pwcgov.org/library/digitallibrary/hsdw/M_Folder/McLean76-274/pdfs/McLean76-274NewsArtA.pdf.

2.     Alexandria Gazette (Alexandria, Virginia), July 7, 1870, p.2.

3.     Kristi Finefield, “A Tale of Two Houses and the U.S. Civil War,” Library of Congress, April 9, 2015, accessed April 26, 2026, https://blogs.loc.gov/picturethis/2015/04/a-tale-of-two-houses-and-the-u-s-civil-war/.

4.     Hparkins, “The Peculiar Story of Wilmer McLean,” National Archives, November 10, 2010, accessed April 26, 2026, https://prologue.blogs.archives.gov/2010/11/10/the-peculiar-story-of-wilmer-mclean/.

5.     “The McLean House – Site of the Surrender Meeting,” National Park Service, Accessed April 26, 2026, https://www.nps.gov/apco/mclean-house.htm.

6.     “Wilmer McLean,” Findagrave.com, accessed April 26, 2026, https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/5824/wilmer-mclean.

May 6 stands out in history for its connections to political leadership, technological milestones, and cultural influence.

One of the most notable events associated with this date is the crash of the Hindenburg airship in 1937. The German passenger airship caught fire while attempting to land in New Jersey, killing 36 people. The disaster effectively ended the era of passenger airship travel and marked a turning point in aviation history.

May 6 is also recognized as the birthday of Sigmund Freud, born in 1856. Freud’s work in psychology introduced groundbreaking theories about the unconscious mind, influencing fields ranging from psychiatry to literature and art. While some of his ideas remain controversial, his impact on modern thought is significant.

In political history, May 6, 1994, marked the inauguration of Nelson Mandela as South Africa’s first Black president. His election followed the end of apartheid and symbolized a new era of reconciliation and democracy in the country. Mandela’s leadership became a global example of resilience and unity.

The date also carries cultural significance through various achievements in music, literature, and public life, reflecting the ongoing evolution of society.

Taken together, the events of May 6 highlight moments when innovation, leadership, and tragedy intersected to shape the course of history, leaving legacies that continue to influence the present day.

For some reason, ever since someone came up with the concept of competition, man has always looked for a way to gain a competitive edge — even if it means cheating!  

In any contest, there are rules and just like records, some feel that rules are made to be broken. Today, we are going to look at some of the worst bass tournament cheaters to ever wet a hook, and how these incidents should be handled.

Years ago, an angler got caught cheating on Lake of the Pines in a bass tournament called the “KYKX Big Bass Splash.” In one tournament when the polygraph examiner questioned if the catch was legit, he was unsure on whether to pass or fail the guy. So, the tournament director decided to award him the victory despite questions surrounding his catch. 

The following year, the same angler was in position to win again but this time the polygraph examiner failed him. Then a man came forward and told the tournament director how and where this angler was getting his fish.   

He was pulling his bass out of a basket under a dock just before weigh-in. Convicted of fraud, this guy paid a price with a prison sentence and a heavy fine. 

Then there is the story of Elro McNeil who, in 1983, tried to weigh-in a bass that he purchased from Florida. It was rejected, but the bass was then frozen and thawed at his Louisiana home before being turned over to another angler for weigh-in at a Tyler, Texas tournament. 

The saddest part of this story was that one of the anglers involved in this elaborate scheme was found shot dead at his favorite fishing hole. At first it was considered a murder, but it was later ruled a suicide. 

What may be the best cheating scheme ever was orchestrated by Japanese angler, Yuming Gao, a few weeks ago during a Bassmaster Open. This dude took cheating to another level as he was placing air tags inside other angler’s bass boats so he could track them and learn where they were catching their fish. 

The one thing I’ve learned over my many years of seeing guys that cheat in bass tournaments is, most of the time, it wasn’t about the money they could win, but more about their ego and wanting to be recognized as one of the best bass fishermen in their region.

As an angler, the only thing you have is your name. Once you cheat and get caught, not only is your fishing career over, but you’ve now lost the reputation you had as a person. 

All anglers want to be recognized as one of the best, especially on whatever tournament trail they are fishing. But for some, the need to cheat can be so strong that no matter what the consequences are they just can’t stand winning the right way. I guess they think they won’t get caught… until they do. 

Here’s the deal; if you’re an angler looking to bend the rules in order to gain a competitive advantage, you’re already a loser! You have no place in tournament bass fishing, and I hope the next time you decide to cheat, the hands of justice come down on you with both prison time and a hefty fine, along with a lifetime ban from all fishing tournaments. 

If you’ve ever had so much earwax that you started wondering whether your head was secretly manufacturing candles for a side hustle, then friend, you are in good company. Recently I found myself in that exact predicament—both ears so clogged that even Granny’s Home Remedy (which usually involves olive oil, prayer, and a level of confidence not supported by medical science) didn’t make a dent. My hearing was so bad I kept asking people to repeat themselves, and they kept repeating themselves louder, and eventually everyone was shouting like we were reenacting the Battle of Jericho.

Finally, I surrendered and went to an ENT. The procedure was swift, humbling, and—let’s be honest—deeply satisfying. Suddenly the world was crisp again. Birds chirped. Paper rustled. I could hear my own footsteps.

But as I walked out of the office, ears squeakyclean and ego slightly bruised, I wondered: if our physical ears can get that stopped up, what about our spiritual ones?

Jesus once said, “People have eyes but do not see, and ears but do not hear.” I used to think He was being poetic. Now I think He may have been talking about spiritual cerumen—holy earwax, if you will.

Earwax doesn’t show up all at once. It builds slowly, quietly, sneakily—like dust bunnies or church committee meetings. One day you’re hearing fine, and the next you’re saying “Huh?” so often people think it’s your new spiritual gift.

Spiritual wax works the same way.

• A little pride here.
• A little resentment there.
• A dash of busyness, a sprinkle of distraction, a generous scoop of “I’ll pray later.”

Before long, the still, small voice of God sounds like it’s coming from the bottom of a well. And just like physical wax, spiritual wax is rarely solved by home remedies. We try:

• The Cotton Swab Method: “I’ll fix this myself.”
• The Essential Oil Method: “I bought something expensive; surely that counts as spiritual growth.”
• The Denial Method: “I’m fine. Everyone else is mumbling.”

But none of these clear the blockage. They just push it deeper.

After my ENT adventure, I learned that the best ear hygiene is simple: keep things clear, avoid sticking junk in there, and let the ear do what it was designed to do.

Spiritually, the same principles apply.

1. Stop sticking things in your ears.
You know the things—noise, hurry, outrage, comparison, doomscrolling, and the occasional YouTube prophet who predicted the end of the world last Tuesday. None of these help you hear God.

2. Let the Spirit do the cleaning.
Just as the ear naturally moves wax outward, the Holy Spirit gently brings our blockages to the surface—if we give Him space. Prayer, silence, Scripture, worship: these are the warm drops that soften the buildup.

3. Get professional help when needed.
Sometimes the blockage is too deep for DIY spirituality. That’s when we need pastors, counselors, trusted friends, or a good old-fashioned cometoJesus moment.

When the ENT finished, I was amazed at how loud the world was. I had forgotten what clarity sounded like.

When God clears our spiritual ears, the same thing happens. Suddenly Scripture speaks. Prayer feels alive. Worship vibrates in the bones. Conviction is gentle but unmistakable. And the voice of God—steady, loving, persistent—sounds like it’s been waiting patiently the whole time.

Maybe Jesus wasn’t scolding when He said people had ears but didn’t hear. Maybe He was diagnosing. Maybe He was inviting us to the Great Physician’s office for a little spiritual irrigation. And who knows—maybe when our ears are finally clear, we’ll hear Him say, “Welcome back. I’ve been talking to you this whole time.”

It’s 2026, and they’ve put AI inside everything from your toaster to your toothbrush. Now, a local genius claims to have optimized the highway driving experience. Our advice? If the app gives you the option to ‘Cancel,’ hit it before it hits your windshield.

April 29 has served as the backdrop for events ranging from historic weddings to moments of unrest, each leaving a lasting imprint on society.

One of the most widely recognized events tied to this date occurred in 2011, when Prince William married Catherine Middleton in a ceremony watched by millions around the world. The royal wedding was seen as a modernizing moment for the British monarchy, blending tradition with contemporary appeal and capturing global attention.

April 29 is also remembered for the 1992 Los Angeles riots, which erupted following the acquittal of police officers involved in the beating of Rodney King. The unrest lasted several days, resulting in widespread damage, injuries, and loss of life. The riots highlighted deep racial and economic tensions in the United States and prompted ongoing discussions about policing and justice.

In wartime history, April 29, 1945, marked the liberation of the Dachau concentration camp by Allied forces during World War II. The discovery of the camp’s conditions exposed the full extent of atrocities committed during the Holocaust and became a pivotal moment in documenting those crimes.

The date also carries significance in technological progress. In 2004, the final Oldsmobile rolled off the assembly line, marking the end of one of America’s oldest automobile brands and symbolizing shifts within the auto industry.

From celebration to conflict and remembrance, April 29 reflects the wide spectrum of human experience, illustrating how a single date can hold moments of joy, tragedy, and transformation.

By Tiffany Flournoy 

The Claiborne Parish School Board received a favorable audit for fiscal year 2025, with auditors noting strong financial practices and one minor compliance issue tied to federal program documentation.

During the April 9 regular board meeting at Summerfield High School, students, staff, and officials participated in opening ceremonies led by Summerfield sixth grader Lindsey Walton, who delivered the prayer and Pledge of Allegiance.

Board members approved the minutes from prior meetings and accepted the district’s annual audit report for the year ending June 30, 2025. Tim Green, partner and CPA with Allen, Green & Williamson LLP, said the firm issued an unmodified opinion, meaning the financial statements were fairly presented in accordance with applicable standards.

He also reported no significant deficiencies under Government Auditing Standards issued by the U.S. Comptroller General.

One compliance issue was identified in the district’s Child Nutrition Program involving time certifications that were not completed within required deadlines. Officials said corrective actions have already been implemented, including updated procedures and monitoring measures to ensure compliance going forward.

In other business, the board approved financial support for students and sponsors attending the National FBLA Convention in San Antonio this summer, authorized advertising for bids on food service supplies, and approved a request to extend the superintendent’s contract through December 31, 2028.

Members also approved the district’s differentiated compensation allocation plan for teachers, funded through the Louisiana Department of Education, which will provide stipends for eligible educators in high-need areas, with payments scheduled later this month.

Superintendent Chris Brooks also presented updates on a proposed retention, recruitment, and performance pay plan for the 2026–27 school year for board consideration at a future meeting.

By Tiffany Flournoy

HOMER, La. — A Homer police officer has been arrested following an investigation into allegations that he made an arrest outside his jurisdiction and without proper legal authority, officials said in a news release Monday.

The Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office said it opened a criminal investigation March 20, 2026, after receiving a complaint accusing Officer William Fitzpatrick of conducting an arrest outside the Homer city limits.

Investigators determined that Fitzpatrick did not properly obtain an arrest warrant for the individual he detained, according to the sheriff’s office. Authorities also found that he did not secure a search warrant before entering the residence where the individual was taken into custody and failed to book the person into the Claiborne Parish Detention Center as required by law.

The sheriff’s office later obtained an arrest warrant for Fitzpatrick through Louisiana’s Second Judicial District Court. He was charged with simple kidnapping, false imprisonment and unauthorized entry into an inhabited dwelling.

Fitzpatrick surrendered to the Claiborne Parish Detention Center on March 28 and was booked before posting an $85,000 bond. 

Claiborne Parish Sheriff Sam Dowies said he is committed to enforcing the law and holding individuals accountable.

A gambling trip to local truck stop casinos proved to be unlucky for a Homer man who is now facing an abuse charge after allegedly punching his girlfriend during an alleged jealous rage.

Corey A. Willis, 48, has been booked into Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center for domestic abuse battery in connection with the Wednesday incident. His bond has been set at $5,000 surety or $500 cash.

MPD Sgt. Benjamin Sparks answered a disturbance call at Love’s Travel Stop on Industrial Dr. just before 7 p.m. where he learned a confrontation had taken place inside the casino. 

During questioning, the victim said she was playing a video poker machine when a male friend approached her and began to visit. According to the victim, Willis became extremely jealous when he observed the conversation and struck her in the face.

Officers reportedly reviewed surveillance video at the casino and determined that Willis did strike the woman. According to the arrest report, Willis has an extensive criminal history of violent crimes, some of which are of a domestic nature.

This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

By Tiffany Flournoy

Cafeteria employees in the Claiborne Parish School District will receive a $600 incentive payment after the Claiborne Parish School Board approved the measure during its March 5 meeting.

Board members also adopted the district’s 2026-27 academic calendar and authorized transferring district investment funds.

The one-time incentive will be issued in March to food service employees who were employed as of Jan. 5, 2026. Officials said the payment will not alter the district’s salary schedule. The measure passed unanimously.

The board also unanimously approved the 2026-27 school calendar, which includes aligning fall break with surrounding school districts.

Business Manager Mary Turner presented a financial recommendation the board approved to move most Louisiana Asset Management Pool (LAMP) funds to a First Guaranty Bank money market account, leaving $1,000 in LAMP. The board also voted to keep $500,000 in the district’s First Guaranty Bank checking account and transfer the remaining balance into the bank’s money market account.

Turner briefly reviewed February financial reports and said a school activity audit report had been mailed to board members. Amy Tynes of Allen, Green and Williamson LLP is expected to attend the next meeting to present the district’s 2024-25 audit.

Superintendent Chris Brooks reported no personnel changes since the February meeting and said parent-teacher conferences will be held March 16, which will be a virtual learning day for students.

Brooks also said a special called meeting may be held at 8 a.m. March 26 to discuss and approve lighting bids.

The meeting opened with a prayer led by Homer High School student Kirsten Dixon, a participant in the school’s KARE program, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

The next meeting of the Claiborne Parish School Board is scheduled for April 9 at 6 p.m. at the Claiborne Parish School Board office, 415 East Main St., Homer.

By Tiffany Flournoy

HOMER, La. — The Claiborne Parish School Board honored a state championship football team and recognized the district’s top students and educators during its regular meeting Feb. 5.

The board adopted a formal resolution recognizing the Haynesville High School football team as the 2025 Division IV Non-Select State Champions. The Golden Tornadoes completed a perfect 10-0 regular season and went 4-0 in the playoffs, securing the state title Dec. 11, 2025, at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans.

Head Coach David Franklin thanked the board for the recognition, describing the team as “an exceptional group of young men, not only on the field but off the field.” 

He said the championship reflects the hard work put in each year by players and coaches and added that he is proud of the way the team represents the town of Haynesville.

According to the resolution, the team’s accomplishment brought “honor, pride and recognition” to Haynesville High School, the Haynesville community, the Claiborne Parish School Board and the parish as a whole. It also recognized assistant coaches Tony Gantt, Mario Thompson, Jasper Edwards, Ryan Ware and Dallas Lay, along with Principal Lee Simms, faculty and the student body.

In other recognitions, Instructional Supervisor Marco French introduced the district’s Students of the Year, Teachers of the Year and Principal of the Year through a slideshow highlighting their achievements. Superintendent Chris Brooks and Board President Perry Anderson presented each honoree with a trophy and certificate.

Emery Edwards, a fifth grader at Haynesville Elementary School; Sonnie Vinson, an eighth grader at Summerfield High School; and Leyla Slaughter, a senior at Homer High School, were named Students of the Year. Teachers of the Year are Miranda Wingard, elementary teacher at Summerfield; Macy Garner, middle school teacher at Haynesville Jr./Sr. High; and LaFrance Cooper, high school teacher at Homer High. William Simms of Haynesville Jr./Sr. High was named Principal of the Year. All will advance to represent the district at the state level.

The board also approved revisions to policies addressing notification of school board meetings, employee recruitment, dismissal and conduct, all stemming from the 2025 Regular Session of the Louisiana Legislature. The motion passed 8-0.

Maintenance Supervisor Joey Guillory received approval to seek bids for renovations to the Haynesville auditorium, following prior review by the Buildings and Grounds Committee. The motion passed unanimously.

Board members briefly discussed January 2026 financials and current interest rates on district banking accounts. Further discussion on potentially moving funds due to interest rates is expected at a March finance meeting.

Nathan A. Jump, principal of Mt. Olive Christian School, was arrested Thursday by the Louisiana State Police Special Victims Unit on a felony sexual battery charge, according to authorities.

Jump, 50, was booked into the Claiborne Parish Detention Center. The charge stems from allegations of inappropriate contact with a student.

Louisiana State Police said the arrest followed an investigation initiated in October 2025 by the Special Victims Unit after reports that Jump allegedly committed sexual battery against a juvenile while serving as a school administrator. With assistance from the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services, investigators obtained an arrest warrant through the 2nd Judicial District Court.

Mt. Olive Christian School is a small private school located off Highway 9 in Athens and serves families in Claiborne Parish.

Following the arrest, Dr. Nathan Jump, who also serves as president of Mt. Olive Christian School, announced he would take a voluntary leave of absence while the charge is pending. In a statement released by the school on Feb. 6, Jump said the decision was made out of respect for the students, faculty, and the school community.

The school’s Board of Directors met after the announcement and unanimously agreed to accept Jump’s voluntary leave. No timeline has been provided for his return, pending the resolution of the charge.

School officials have not released additional details regarding the allegations.

All parties are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Original: Mt. Olive Christian School principal arrested on sexual battery charge

Nathan A. Jump, principal of Mt. Olive Christian School, was arrested by Louisiana State Police Special Victims Unit Thursday on a felony sexual battery charge, authorities said.

The charge stems from allegations of inappropriate contact with a student. Police booked Jump, 50, into the Claiborne Parish Detention Center.

According to state police, the arrest follows an investigation launched in October 2025 by the LSP Special Victims Unit after reports that Jump allegedly committed sexual battery against a juvenile while serving as a school administrator. With assistance from the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services, authorities obtained an arrest warrant through the 2nd Judicial District Court.

Mt. Olive Christian School is a small private school located off Highway 9 in Athens, serving families in Claiborne Parish.

All parties are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

A Homer woman was arrested on Jan. 11 following a multi-parish high-speed chase involving several law enforcement agencies that ended on a rural Claiborne Parish roadway.

Allyssa Faith Ingram, 30, of the 400 block of Lyons Road, was booked into the Webster Parish Jail on charges of aggravated flight and aggravated assault with a moving vehicle on a law enforcement officer. Bond was set at $100,000.

According to reports, the pursuit began just before 2 p.m. when Haughton police initiated a chase on Interstate 20 that entered Webster Parish. Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Damian Christian joined the pursuit and observed the suspect vehicle traveling at speeds of approximately 90 miles per hour.

The chase continued as the vehicle exited I-20 at U.S. Highway 371, traveled eastbound on U.S. Highway 80 through Minden, and then headed north on Dorcheat Road, with reported speeds reaching up to 90 miles per hour. Authorities said the suspect later turned onto multiple rural Webster Parish roads, including Dogwood Trail, where speeds reportedly exceeded 100 miles per hour.

The pursuit eventually entered Claiborne Parish, where deputies with the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office and Louisiana State Police also became involved. After allegedly running numerous stop signs, Ingram turned onto Backwoods Road, a dirt and gravel roadway.

The chase ended near the intersection of Backwoods Road and Eden Lane when Ingram’s vehicle struck a Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office patrol unit. She was taken into custody at the scene without further incident.

No additional information regarding injuries or further charges was immediately available.

Emery Claire Edwards, a fifth-grade student from Claiborne Parish, was recognized as a nominee in the Louisiana Department of Education’s 2026 Students of the Year program, honoring students who demonstrate excellence both in and beyond the classroom.

The Louisiana Department of Education, in partnership with the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE), announced nominees for the 2026 Students of the Year program on Jan. 6, which highlights outstanding fifth, eighth, and twelfth grade students across the state. The program recognizes students for leadership, academic performance, achievements, citizenship, and service to their schools and communities.

Nominees are selected through a review process involving public, charter, and nonpublic schools within each BESE region. From the pool of regional nominees and honorees, select students will advance to the finalist stage later in the school year. Finalists will be announced and celebrated at a statewide awards ceremony, where one overall honoree per grade level will be named.

Baton Rouge – Governor Jeff Landry is warning all SNAP welfare cardholders that they will receive no new benefits on their cards starting Nov. 1 due to the federal government shutdown in Washington, DC. Any remaining benefits from previous months can still be used. Updated information will be available to all Louisiana residents through a new site https://dcshutdown.la.gov.

Hundreds of thousands of people in Louisiana receive SNAP welfare benefits. An update from the USDA this summer stated more than 16% of the population in Louisiana receives SNAP benefits.

“The U.S. Senate is failing to open the federal government in Washington, DC. SNAP benefits are paid for by the federal government in Washington, and we simply administer the program here in Louisiana. Without the funds we cannot provide the benefits. The U.S. House under Speaker Mike Johnson has already acted to re-open the government. Our U.S. Senators representing Louisiana have voted over and over again to re-open the government. They are doing their part. Now it is time for those U.S. Senators, under Democrat Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, to vote yes and re-open the federal government. Louisianans concerned about the lack of funds for this program, or any impacted federal service, should call on Chuck Schumer to re-open the federal government now,” said Governor Jeff Landry.

The Louisiana Department of Health which oversees the SNAP program in Louisiana will begin notifying recipients this week, based on available information, that November benefits will not be added to their cards until the federal government reopens. In addition, LDH is providing notices (Notice 1, Notice 2) which retailers can post on doorways and in their stores notifying recipients new funds will be unavailable.

“All Louisiana SNAP recipients should be aware that there will be no new benefits added to their cards starting November 1st unless the federal government in Washington, DC reopens,” said Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Health Bruce D. Greenstein. “We will do all we can to ensure SNAP recipients are aware of this and that retailers are prepared as well. Updated information will be provided on the state’s new dcshutdown.la.gov website as soon as it is available.”

Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop G responded to a two-vehicle crash on Oct. 14 around 12:35 pm on Louisiana Highway 9 near Forest Grove Road. The crash claimed the life of 66-year-old Paul Hammon, Jr. of Homer.

The preliminary investigation revealed that a 2007 Peterbilt 379 was traveling south on Louisiana Highway 9. At the same time, a 1999 Mack truck, driven by Hammon, was traveling north on Louisiana Highway 9 in the southbound lane. For reasons still under investigation, the Mack truck collided with the Peterbilt and overturned.

Hammon, who was properly restrained at the time of the crash, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the Peterbilt, who was properly restrained, sustained minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment. Impairment is not suspected; however, standard toxicology samples were collected and submitted for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.

While the cause of this crash remains under investigation, Louisiana State Police urges all drivers to obey traffic laws and remain alert while driving. While not all crashes are survivable, taking simple precautions such as these can often mean the difference between life and death.